Bomb scare in Lagos

Hours after a bomb blast occurred at the United Nations headquarters in Abuja on Friday, there was panic in Lagos as news of an impending bomb attack made the rounds.

The news, which was spread through text messages and BlackBerry chats, warned Lagos residents to stay off the Third Mainland Bridge and its environs as there were unconfirmed reports of “a planned bomb blast to take place in Lagos within the next 24 hours.”

The message read, “Lagosians are advised to stay off the Third Mainland Bridge and its territory. There are unconfirmed reports of a supposed bombing in Lagos within 24hrs after the UN Abuja bomb blast. Military roadblocks and other emergency measures might result in traffic and congestion. Other alternative routes usage is advised. Please broadcast and save a life in Lagos.”

The Commissioner of Police, Anti Bomb Squad, Mr. Ambrose Aisabor, who was said to be away in Abuja, told SATURDAY PUNCH that he was not aware of such messages. “I am just hearing that from you. We would do all that is in our power to protect lives and property in Lagos,” Aisabor said.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Yakubu Alkali, was not available for comments as he did not reply calls or text messages made to his phone.